First... yes I have searched! Is there a reasonable remedy to the failed mat sensor?

BEFORE you answer...
- I have searched!
- Mine is a 2006 S, but Mini says it is not part of the recall
- I know about the emulators (which I may do at some point)
- I know I can have Mini replace the entire seat for the price of a couple organs
- I know I can find a salvage replacement (but how long will that last?)

Basically...
- Has anyone successfully repaired their broken mat?
- Does anyone know where to buy just the mat (I can find BMW mats for $100-$200, but not ours)

Thanks!

 

I have a 2006 R 50

Passenger seat replaced by Mini at n/c under recall.

My sister has a 2006 S and had her mat replaced at n/c under recall

I cannot believe that Mini would not cover the S version. Doesn't make any sense. Did you call another Mini dealer ?

Where do you live ?

Some dealers are bad news and do not want to honor a recall.

Good Luck and if all fails, I would contact Mini corporate in NJ

 

Service information form:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...5V205-8849.pdf

Q&A:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...5V205-5770.pdf

Hope these help. Had mine done April of '16. It took a while to get used to not having the warning light ambiance that I'd became accustomed to.

 

Enter your VIN here to check for open recalls: https://www.miniusa.com/owners/tools...rt/recall.html. It would be strange for any 2006 to not be covered.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've run my VIN, called MINI, and had a dealer look. All came back negative for a recall. I do have a very late 2006.

I guess I can write MINI.

 

A late 2006 build shouldn't matter as the recall doesn't give a specific production date, only model years. Also, cabrios are part of the recall and they went to 2008.

Did you buy the car recently?

I wouldn't think it would fail again so early, or it might be another problem, but maybe the previous owner already had the recall work done and that's why it's not showing up as eligible. You would think MINI would tell you if it was already brought in, but goog info and communication can be hard to come by these days.

 

Yes... I purchased the car in April and have been working on fixing all of the neglect. Perhaps it was already taken in, but the passenger seat is clearly original. I'll write the letter and see if anything happens. It isn't a huge deal. My kids are 80-100 lbs, so probably should have the airbag deactivated anyways. When they get a little bigger, I can do the emulator hack to have the airbag on all the time.

I have a Foxwell scanner and the code is something like passenger mat sensor incorrect voltage.

 

I think MINI only replaces the bottom foam cushion that has the sensor attached, not the upholstery. This might be the part, but I would check with the seller to make sure: https://www.outmotoring.com/sports-s...sor-right.html

 

 

Thanks for the info... I thought they had to replace the entire seat. That's not a bad price to fix it properly.

Tgriffithjr - The airbag light is on. This could be many things, but I have a scanner that pulled the code. Plus, if it is the seat sensor... then the passenger airbag will remain off even if an adult (>~100 lbs) is in the seat.

 

 

Yes

It is normal and they replaced the cushion underneath.....NOT the entire seat

 

Yes thats weird on the recall, I thought all 1/2005+ were recalled

 

Does anyone know if the R52 is different from the R53. Outmotoring has the mat listed for the R52, but not the R53. This is the response from Outmotoring "MINIs database is showing that as only for the convertible and I think on the hatchback the sensor is built into the seat foam/upholstery which is crazy expensive." Any idea if the convertible sensor will still work... it is only about $300?

"

 

The r52 1/2005+ gots it own part numbers for the foam and the pad. 52109112566 basic (non sport) and 52109112567 sport seat (aka CooperS and Sport seat option MINIs.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...109112566~oem/



and
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...109112567~oem/


But on the R53 its the foam/cover and sensor in one. My guess is they did this as they have more 1/2005+ in warranty for the R52, were as it was the end of the run on the R53.
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=52_3281

 

Thanks for the info. I'll try either try and find a low mileage used bottom or just use the emulator.

 

Welcome.

 

I gave up and installed the eBay bypass. It went in easy with the seat in the car. I also installed the seat belt defeat. After clearing the airbag code, no more issues. Airbag light is off, pass airbag off light is off, and no seatbelt chime.

Oh, and I found an inspection oc3 sticker under the seat. I am guessing it was inspected by the prior owner via the recall and was working at the time. I am guessing that is why the dealer says it is not eligible for the recall.

 

Can you post a pic of that sticker?

 

Just an update, Those seats should fit R50/R52/R53 above with the 1/2005+ sensor issues . Other hardware listed for the repair also in the recall info. .


Here is the recall info for people that might be outside of the time frame,

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...5V205-8849.pdf

 

Sorry to resurrect this..
What is the eBay bypass and the seat belt defeat.
Having the same problem…

thanks

 

Call MINI dealer and see if its covered if you are 1/2005+, if not you will either need one of those hack bypass units or replace it yourself.